17-Jan-2015
Stopped at the ATM
On one of my many drives now that I got it back on the road, was a trip to the ATM. Trying to log some miles to find any problems.
18-Jan-2015
Got the top on
Driving around with no windshield was taking its toll on me as I grew tired of eating bugs! I actually logged 45 miles on the Jeep before I installed the newly painted windshield. After installing the windshield the wind was more tolerable but installing the top made the Jeep much nicer to drive.
Before and after
Here is a before and after picture parked in the same spot in front of my brothers house where it came from when I originally drove it home. It has done a transformation but yet there are still things to be completed like front and rear bumpers, winch mount, rock sliders, and fender flares front and rear.
24-Jan-2015
Re-sewing straps
I picked up some simple cup holders to replace my over-thought cup holders but the straps were way too long. I had to cut about 3" off the straps and re-sew the Velcro back on.
23-Jan-2015
Starting the winch mount
I picked up a winch plate from Barnes 4x4 but I need to make some side plates to make the plate fit to the front of the Jeep. I need the winch plate mount to be strong so I used some 1/4" angle iron and cut them to size. I am making them fit in the same holes that I use for the front spring mounts. These new winch plates will sandwich the spring plates to the frame so the strength and location will be perfect.
After welding the final bottom weld passes I'm ready to hit the plug welds for a real strong bond between the mounting plates and the winch plate.
23-Jan-2015
3/4" holes for plug welding
These holes will get plug welded for an added method to strengthen the bond between the side mounts and the winch plate.
23-Jan-2015
Plug welds complete
I burned these plug welds real hot for a good deep penetration.
23-Jan-2015
Welded side panels complete
The side panels are welded all the way around for a very strong mount.
23-Jan-2015
Top weld final pass
I used a welling rod that has a strength of 70,000 lb psi so the strength of the welds should hold pretty good.
25-Jan-2015
Primed and ready for paint
I did a final pass with the fine flapper wheel and shota couple coats of epoxy primer on the winch mount.
25-Jan-2015
Side mounts tie into frame
The side mounts tie into the the front spring mounts which in turn get sandwiched all together by three 9/16" grade 8 bolts on each side.